A Ballina man who has 38 previous convictions was sentenced to 28 days in prison at Ballina District Court on Tuesday, for criminal damage to a phone box.
On March 26 this year, Paddy Collins, 17 Fenian Row, Ballina was observed by gardaí kicking a telephone box on John Street, Ballina, shattering the glass panel.
Collins, who realised that a garda had observed the incident, tried to cover his face and ran off from the scene.
Solicitor Peter Loftus said that Collins, who was using the telephone box, put his foot through the glass panel by accident and that it was not a “wilful kick”. Compensation was in court for the damage caused.
Judge Mary Devins convicted and fined Collins €500 and sentenced him to 28 days in prison. Recognisances were fixed.
